That Girsu was once quite distinct from Lagash is also evident from the title of "king of Girsu," with which a certain Uru-kagina, who is to be placed somewhat before Gudea, contents himself.

The other three quarters, all of which were originally independent cities, are Uru-azagga, Nina, and apparently Gish-galla.[29] Nin-girsu is frequently termed the warrior of Bel,--the one who in the service of the 'lord of the lower world,' appears in the thick of the fight, to aid the subjects of Bel.

In this role, he is identical with a solar deity who enjoys especial prominence among the warlike Assyrians, whose name is provisionally read Nin-ib, but whose real name may turn out to be Adar.[30] The rulers of Lagash declare themselves to have been chosen for the high office by Nin-girsu, and as if to compensate themselves for the degradation implied in being merely _patesis_, or governors, serving under some powerful chief, they call themselves the patesis of Nin-girsu, implying that the god was the master to whom they owed allegiance.

The temple sacred to him at Girsu was called E-ninnu, and also by a longer name that described the god as the one 'who changes darkness into light,'-- the reference being to the solar character of the god Nin-ib with whom Nin-girsu is identified.

In this temple, Gudea and other rulers place colossal statues of themselves, but temper the vanity implied, by inscribing on the front and back of these statues, an expression of their devotion to their god.